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Evolutionary persistence of tripartite integrative and conjugative elements.

Timothy L Haskett1, Joshua P Ramsay2, Amanuel A Bekuma1

  • 1Centre for Rhizobium Studies, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.

Plasmid
|July 4, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Tripartite integrative and conjugative elements (ICE3s) in Mesorhizobium spp. recombine into a single unit for transfer. Their complex tripartite structure likely enhances host range and stability, promoting symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Keywords:
EvolutionHorizontal gene transferMobile genetic elementRecombinationRhizobia

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Genetics
  • Horizontal Gene Transfer

Background:

  • Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are mobile genetic elements within bacterial genomes.
  • Mesorhizobium spp. harbor unique tripartite ICEs (ICE3s) comprising three separate, linked DNA regions (α, β, γ).
  • These ICE3s are crucial for nitrogen-fixing symbiosis in legumes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary persistence and functional significance of the tripartite structure of Mesorhizobium ICEs (ICE3s).
  • To understand the role of recombination and gene content variation in ICE3 evolution and function.
  • To explore the selective advantages conferred by the ICE3 tripartite organization.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomic analysis of ICE3 elements across Mesorhizobium species.
  • Examination of gene content, including symbiosis and accessory genes, within ICE3 regions.
  • Analysis of recombination events (deletions, insertions) and integration site usage.

Main Results:

  • Most symbiosis genes reside in the α fragment; β and γ regions show high recombination rates and variable gene content.
  • A novel ICE3 in M. ciceri Ca181 lost β-region cargo and gained a serine recombinase gene in the γ region.
  • Recombination loci are conserved, suggesting the tripartite structure itself is maintained for selective benefit.

Conclusions:

  • The tripartite structure of ICE3s provides a selective advantage, potentially enhancing host range, stability, and resistance to competing elements.
  • This complex structure may increase the efficiency of gene capture from other integrative elements sharing attachment sites.
  • ICE3s represent a unique evolutionary strategy for mobile genetic elements in bacterial symbiosis.